We sometimes place small data files called cookies on your device, which enable this website to work properly and remember your preferences. You can delete all cookies already on your device and you can set most browsers to prevent them from being placed, however some functionalities may not work.

News

Intersex Awareness Day - a primer on intersex people

Intersex Awareness Day falls on the 26th of October, providing education about intersex people, whom are part of the diverse sexuality and gender community.

Intersex people are born with sex characteristics (including genitals, gonads and chromosome patterns) that do not fit typical binary notions of male or female bodies.

- United Nations

The United Nations estimates that 'between 0.05% and 1.7% of the population is born with intersex traits... In some cases, intersex traits are visible at birth while in others, they are not apparent until puberty. Some chromosomal intersex variations may not be physically apparent at all.'

This statistic means that there could be as many intersex people in the world than there are people with red hair.

Intersex people also have a sexual orientation, and gender identity just like everyone else. They might be gay, straight, lesbian, or bisexual; transgender; or male, female, or non-binary gender.

Some intersex people prefer to change their sex on both birth certificates and/or other official documents as their recorded sex at birth may be different to their actual gender identity. For intersex people, administrative changes to better reflect their sex and gender marker to be male, female or X is not generally due to gender dysphoria.

The DEFGLIS Awards for Excellence showcase the outstanding efforts made by individuals and groups that enhance the lives of the Defence diverse sexuality, sex and gender (DSSG) community whilst upholding...